Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] Financial institutions that embrace technological innovation will be better positioned to deliver secure, personalized, and efficient financial services in the evolving global economy. Trader
• [New] As countries around the world use AI to advance their own digital economies, LLMs will have a greater influence on what service products can be created domestically rather than outsourcing them internationally. The Dallas Morning News
• [New] Bilateral trade agreements settled in local currencies, rather than routing through New York, could save millions in foreign exchange conversion fees and reduce imported inflation. Streamline
• [New] South African taxpayers involved in crypto transactions or holding digital assets should anticipate increased scrutiny and enhanced information sharing among tax authorities, emphasising the necessity for precise tax reporting and compliance in their income tax returns. IOL
• [New] South African taxpayers involved in crypto transactions or holding digital assets should anticipate increased scrutiny and enhanced information sharing among tax authorities. IOL
• [New] A destabilized Gulf could punch a hole in the global economy, which remains dependent on Arabian oil supplies. The Atlantic
• [New] HP said in February that RAM accounts for a third of its PC costs, and industry analysts expect the RAM shortage could radically alter the PC landscape as companies are forced to raise prices. Engadget
• [New] If energy transport disruptions persist, investors may increasingly look to gold as protection against the possibility that rising logistics costs translate into broader price pressures across the global economy. investing.com
• [New] Shipping congestion and higher war-risk insurance premiums are already pushing freight rates higher, raising the possibility that logistics costs could feed into global inflation pressures. investing.com
• [New] Gold and Treasury yields are rising alongside it, an unusual cross-asset pattern that suggests markets are pricing inflation risk even as growth concerns build. investing.com
• [New] Natural gas prices here in the US remain unmoved, due in part to the fact that the International Energy Agency predicts there will be a surge in liquefied natural gas in the coming years and prices will be lower. investing.com
• [New] Natural gas prices may surge to $40 per MMBtu, in Europe / Asia and crude oil could reach $150 per barrel within two to three weeks. investing.com
• [New] Series production of the autonomous vehicle, which uses Mobileye technology, will begin in 2027 - the first fully autonomous series-production vehicle in Europe. Automotive World
• [New] The US and Israel's war on Iran has shaken global markets and caused huge fears about energy prices and the impact they will have on inflation and the cost of living. The Guardian
• [New] The International Monetary Fund projects strong global economic growth at about 3.3%, suggesting electricity demand will continue to grow. The Conversation
• [New] The transition of the global digital economy from a centralized cloud paradigm to a highly fragmented, AI-intensive, and kinetically vulnerable infrastructure marks a fundamental shift in the 2026 risk landscape. Pascal's Substack
• [New] The biggest threat to the global economy and US stocks is an oil supply disruption, but the probability of a prolonged effect is low so far. News8000.com
• [New] By engaging with high-caliber media platforms like Nikkei Asia, Cambodia aims to bolster confidence and attract high-quality investments to drive sustainable national economic growth and achieve the Cambodia Vision 2050 of becoming a high-income nation. FRESH NEWS
• [New] Professional forecasters in the euro area are unanimous in expecting inflation in 2026 to be close to the 2% euro area target. Banque de France
• [New] US MNEs considering M&A transactions will want to keep their tax department connected. EY
• [New] Despite stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter, China's growth moderated slightly in the second quarter, while domestic consumption and income growth have remained muted. Moody's Events
• [New] Inflation remains moderate, with both headline and core inflation projected at 1.0-2.0% for 2026 according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore's macroeconomic review, a modest uptick from prior expectations. Joey Choy Top Stocks
• [New] Based on growth assumptions, U.S. electricity consumption would approach 5,000 TWh in 2030. Breckinridge Capital Advisors

Last updated: 10 March 2026